Whether you’ve just started chemo or you’re in the middle of a round, chances are, you’re worried about how the therapy will affect your looks, and how you can adjust your make-up routine to help. Sweetie, I can help, or rather, my stylist and close friend, Toni, can help. She’s a cancer survivor who somehow managed to stay looking gorgeous during her battle, and candidly shared some make-up tips for during chemo with me. Here are 7 great (and simple) make-up tips for chemo… and here’s to not needing them for long…
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1. Prepare
The last thing you want to do is scramble during your weeks of chemo for the right eyeliner or a new make-up brush. Gather all of the make-up items you’ll want and keep them on hand a week or so before you start chemo, so you’ll get used to using your new make-up, and so you can weed out anything you don’t like. Toni suggests keeping everything in a gorgeous new make-up bag, a small treat that might cheer you up a little, even when new shoes won’t do the trick.
Aside from gathering all of your make-up items before starting chemo, it's also important to invest in high-quality, hypoallergenic products. This will help minimize any skin irritation or reactions that may occur during treatment. Additionally, make sure to have a good moisturizer on hand to combat dryness and flakiness. It's also a good idea to have a few different shades of foundation to match your changing skin tone. Don't forget to clean your make-up brushes regularly to avoid any bacteria buildup. And lastly, don't be afraid to experiment with different looks and have fun with your make-up, it can be a great way to boost your mood during a difficult time.
2. Hydrate First
This is a make-up tip for chemo that you can use when you’re well again too — before you apply your concealer or foundation, slather yourself with a good moisturizer, one with built-in SPF, if you can. I love Philosophy’s Hope in a Jar line, and Murad makes some good ones, too. Your skin may be dry and sensitive, so whichever moisturizer you choose, make sure it’s free of irritants, like dyes and perfumes.
The right moisturizer not only quenches your skin but also creates a smooth base for your makeup, which can help in achieving a more natural look. Whether you're lounging at home or stepping out for a social event, a hydrated complexion will give you that healthy glow. Remember to be gentle during application, patting it onto your skin rather than rubbing it in. This is especially important for chemo-affected skin, which can be more prone to bruising and irritation. Stay luminous and fresh, and let your skin drink up the benefits of a hydrating cream—it’ll thank you for it.
Frequently asked questions
3. To Conceal or Not to Conceal…
Once you’ve applied your moisturizer (hooray for hydrated skin!), it’s time to decide whether or not you need a little concealer. Chemo can cause red, blotchy marks, but it’s not always a good idea to try and cover them with concealer, since the extra make-up might irritate your skin, and because the concealer might not work very well, either. Experiment with concealer and get an honest opinion from a friend. Does it cover the blotchy marks, or just make you look like Tammy Faye? If it’s the latter, then don’t use concealer, and go natural instead. The blotches will fade over time, and the next make-up tip for during chemo will help with uneven skin tone, too…
Chemotherapy can cause a variety of skin conditions, including redness, dryness, and blotchiness. Concealer can be a great way to help cover up these marks, but it can also be irritating and may not provide the desired coverage. It is important to experiment with different types of concealers to find one that works best for you. Consider investing in a hypoallergenic concealer, as this type of product is gentler on the skin and less likely to cause irritation.
When using concealer, it is important to apply it correctly. Start by applying a light layer of moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated and to create a smooth base. Then, use a small brush or your fingertips to apply concealer directly to the blotchy areas. Blend the concealer in with a sponge or your fingertips, and use a light hand to avoid caking or clumping.
3. Bronzer is Your BFF
It sounds silly, but I can’t stress enough the benefits of using a good blush or bronzer while you’re undergoing chemo. Again, a light hand is best, with a little applied to the apples of your cheeks (or just under your cheekbones and along your brow). The bronzer will add a hint of a healthy glow, and will even help even out your skin tone.
Bronzer can truly be magical--it brings back that sun-kissed warmth you might feel you've lost. Choose a bronzer just a shade or two darker than your natural skin tone to avoid looking overly tanned, which could be a stark contrast if you've been feeling a bit pale. Lightly brush it across areas where the sun naturally hits: your forehead, nose, and chin. This trick creates a subtle, yet impactful, boost to your complexion. Remember, makeup is not just about appearance, it's about empowerment and feeling like yourself through all seasons of life.
4. Avoid False Lashes…
… at least until you see whether or not your eyes will be irritated by the adhesive. Trim the lashes for one eye, and apply gently with tweezers. Take your time; you don’t want to peel them off and reapply them. Once the first eye is done, wait for about half an hour to make sure the adhesive isn’t irritating, then do the other eye. If your own lashes have thinned, the new ones may look a little odd, but don’t rush to decide until you’ve applied the rest of your eye make-up.
False lashes can be a great way to enhance your look, but it’s important to take the necessary precautions if you’re undergoing chemotherapy. Chemotherapy can cause your natural lashes to thin, so it’s important to take extra care when applying false lashes. Before applying false lashes, make sure you trim them to the desired length and use tweezers to gently apply them. It’s important to apply the lashes to one eye at a time and wait at least half an hour to make sure the adhesive isn’t irritating. If your natural lashes have thinned, the false lashes may look a little odd, but it’s best to wait until you’ve applied the rest of your eye makeup to decide. Additionally, it’s important to use a gentle, oil-free cleanser to remove the lashes and avoid tugging or pulling on them. Applying false lashes can be a great way to enhance your look, but it’s important to take the necessary precautions to ensure that your eyes remain healthy and irritation-free.
5. Liquid Liner, Anyone?
If you’ve never used liquid liner, now may be the time! It’s so easy to use, and it comes in a range of colors… and it helps blend the line of false lashes, in my opinion, better than eyeliner pencils. It takes a little practice, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t get a perfect line the first time. Toni suggests making small lines, rather than trying for one long, sweeping line, which is hard for her to do, even after years at the salon.
Liquid liner is a great makeup tool to have in your arsenal if you are undergoing chemotherapy. It is easy to apply, comes in a variety of colors, and helps blend the line of false lashes better than pencils. Liquid liner can be intimidating to use at first, but with a little practice, you can get the hang of it. Toni, a professional makeup artist, suggests making small lines, rather than trying for one long, sweeping line. This is a great tip for those who are new to liquid liner, as it can be difficult to get a perfect line the first time.
Liquid liner is also a great way to add definition to your eyes. It can be used to create a thin, precise line or a thicker, bolder line, depending on your desired look. Applying liquid liner can be tricky, so be sure to use a steady hand and start from the inner corner of your eye, working your way outward. You can also use an eyeliner brush or a cotton swab to help create a smooth and even line.
6. Use a Pencil or Stencil
If your brows have thinned during chemo, you may want to lightly fill them in either by hand, using a pencil, or with the help of a stencil. If you’re using a stencil, make sure it’s not the adhesive kind (again, the glue might irritate your skin). Also, be sure to choose a brow pencil that’s just a little darker than your own hair color, and as close as possible to your own brow color.
When it comes to makeup tips for ladies undergoing chemo, pencils and stencils can be a great help. Pencils are an easy way to lightly fill in brows that have thinned due to chemo, and they provide a natural look. Stencils can also be a great way to fill in brows, but it’s important to make sure that the stencils are not adhesive, as the glue can irritate the skin. When choosing a brow pencil, it’s important to select one that is slightly darker than your own hair color and as close as possible to your own brow color.
When it comes to applying makeup, it’s important to be gentle with your skin. Make sure to use light strokes when applying makeup and avoid tugging or stretching the skin. Also, make sure to use a primer before applying makeup to help the makeup stay in place. After applying makeup, use a makeup setting spray to help it last longer.
7. Be Bold, or Be Natural…
This make-up tip for during chemo may be applied across the board to all of your beauty choices, from wigs to make-up and more. Be bold! This may be the perfect time to experiment with a smoldering smoky eye look, or feathered false lashes, or a funky lip color. Why not? On the other hand, you could go the opposite way and go for a more natural look, with a pale pink lip balm (like the tinted ones by Burt’s Bees), a light sweep of bronzer, and some brown mascara.
With so many helpful tips from Toni, there’s bound to be something here that can help… and I hope something did help! Which of these make-up tips for during chemo will you use? What other specific questions do you have? Or, if you’re a survivor too, what advice can you share?
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